Description
The service unit is housed in a robust steel enclosure and designed for use on a bench or table. It provides control outputs to the accessories, and instrumentation inputs from the accessories.
Outputs:
A stabilised, variable DC supply to the heater of the heat transfer accessory under evaluation
Drive to flow-regulation valves.
Drive to the variable-speed air blowers used.
Inputs and Instrumentation:
Temperatures: (up to 10 off, dependent on accessory being used)
Heater voltage
Heater current
Heat radiated
Light radiated
Air velocity
Cooling water flowrate
In manual mode, the outputs listed above are under control of potentiometers on the front panel of the unit. In remote mode the outputs to the accessories are controlled by the computer. A ‘Watchdog’ system is implemented in remote mode to ensure operator and equipment safety in event of a computer or communications failure.
In both modes the signals from the accessory can be shown on the front panel displays. Selector switches are used to select the chosen signal onto one of the two displays. These signals are also available on the USB interface for data logging on the computer (even if the computer is not controlling the equipment).
Specification
A benchtop service unit designed to interface to a range of heat transfer accessories
Provides a variable, stabilised 0-24V DC supply to the heater of the heat transfer accessory, with a current capability of 9 amp
Provides a drive signal for a proportioning solenoid valve used for flow control
Provides a control signal to a variable speed blower used for generating airflow
10 temperature inputs and conditioning circuits for K-type thermocouples:
9 off, 0-133°C, resolution <0.1°C
1 off, 0-500°C, resolution <0.15°C
Instrumentation inputs for heater voltage, heater current, air flow, water flow, radiation and light meter
Integral USB interface, and educational software for all accessories
Outputs can be controlled manually from the front panel, or controlled by the software from a user supplied PC
Watchdog circuit for operator and equipment safety in case of computer or interface failure when being controlled remotely(e.g. over a network or the internet using user written software)
Easy interfacing to 3rd party software eg LabView, MatLab
A comprehensive instruction manual describing how to carry out the laboratory teaching exercises in non-steady state heat transfer and their analysis as well as assembly, installation and commissioning is included.